5 Towns Jewish Times Podcast

In this episode of Between the Lines, Larry & Esta Gordon sits down with IDF Lieutenant Colonel Eliav Dikshtein for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation.They discuss Dikshtein’s role in Israel’s elite commando forces, his experiences in Gaza and Lebanon, and where he was on October 7th. The conversation explores Israel’s ongoing security challenges, the threat of Hezbollah, and the complexities of modern warfare in the Middle East.The discussion also dives into Israeli politics, national service, and the future of the country—including debates around unity, leadership, and the role of different communities in defending Israel.

In this episode of Between the Lines, Larry and Esta take a look at the stories shaping the Jewish community and beyond.They discuss powerful and emotional topics, including the lasting pain of families who have lost children, reflections on recent tragedies, and the importance of keeping memories alive. The conversation also highlights the vital role of Hatzalah and community support, along with a discussion on modern dating challenges and evolving social dynamics.Blending personal stories, current events, and meaningful insight, this episode takes a hard look at issues affecting the Jewish community today.

Larry and Esta sit down with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Co-Founder of Campus Israel, a new advocacy group encouraging students from around the world to go to college in Israel. They discuss the value for students studying in Israeli universities and the opportunities an Israeli degree provides for the future.This wide-ranging conversation also covers Fleur's time as Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, the outlook for Israeli politics in the near term, the situation in Iran and its implications for the future, and her outlook as a native of Gibraltar on the latest round of Spanish antisemitism.

Larry sits down with Moshe Fundo, author of the powerful new book "From Baptism to Brit Milah."In this fascinating conversation, Moshe shares his extraordinary journey—from growing up with elite status in the Soviet Union, to becoming a Messianic minister, and ultimately embracing Torah observance in America.They dive into:* His life and experiences in the Soviet Union* The spiritual turning points that shaped his path* His transition to Judaism and life as an observant Jew in the United States* The inspiration behind his new bookThis is a story of identity, faith, and transformation you won’t want to miss.

Larry and Esta are joined by Yehuda Kohn, director of Bet Elazraki, a unique organization in Israel providing a home for at-risk kids. Over the 30+ years they've been with the organization Yehuda and his wife Riki have served as parents for thousands of kids, offering the support and love the kids need to succeed in life.

Larry and Esta catch us up on their Pesach experience, and look ahead to sefira and Shavuot.

Esta and Larry sit down with their grandsons Nison Gordon and Dovid Hirsch to learn about the long trip they had to get home for Pesach from their yeshivot in Israel. The boys managed an odyssey to get from Jerusalem through Sharm El Shiekh and Cairo to make it back.

Esta and Larry welcome Yehuda Honickman, onetime New Yorker and now resident in Tekoa in the Shomron. Yehuda has written a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that will be printed in this week's edition of the 5TJT.The wide-ranging conversation covers Yehuda's outlook on the current war with Iran and the goals the Israelis & the US should pursue, as well as the state of life in Israel during the latest fighting.

Esta and Larry are joined by their neighbor and friend David Bodenheim who had a major adventure getting back to New York from Israel. David was in Israel for a wedding with plans to get back before Purim when the fighting started, and with the help of a concierge in Israel was able to travel home. We hear about his Jerusalem to Newark (via Sharm El Sheikh and Istanbul) odyssey.

Larry and Esta talk with Jamie Geller from her home in Beit Shemesh, Israel about the complications for everyone, particularly the seminary/yeshiva students in getting out of Israel for their Pesach break. They discuss ways people have managed to travel, the complications and the outlook as the fighting in Iran continues.

Larry and Esta sit down with Alan Mazurek, MD to talk about a project he's working on to improve access, security and the experience of visiting the Har HaZeitim cemetery in Jerusalem. Alan has a long history of working in Jewish communal affairs, and he's joined many others on this project which is beginning with a new visitors center, digitized listings of the graves on Har HaZeitim, and increased security tools. They discuss the history of the cemetery, Jewish presence there since ancient times, vandalism and access issues, and the future of the space.

Larry sits down with longtime Jewish leader Steve Savitsky, whose decades of service to the Jewish community span numerous leadership roles and initiatives.In this conversation, Steve shares the vision behind Mitzvah Opportunities, a project he founded to raise targeted funds each week for individuals and families in need throughout the Five Towns area.Through a growing WhatsApp network of more than 1,100 members, carefully vetted cases are presented directly to the community. The response has been remarkable — with donors contributing both small and substantial amounts, collectively generating over $1 million in much-needed support for local families.

Larry is joined by local business owner and weather prognosticator Dovi Wachsler, who's had an interest in snowstorms and the weather since he was a child. Dovi's reading of the weather data last week convinced him a major storm was on the way to the Northeast and he had it very right. Larry and Dovi also talk about Dovi's business importing and distributing salt to customers up and down the I-95 corridor.

In our first repeat guest on the podcast, J. Philip Rosen, Chairman of the World Jewish Congress - American Section returns to talk about the ongoing issues facing Jews around the world. Phil talks about the state of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Israel, the political outlook in the US and other countries and its impact on the Jewish community, and the need for Jews and Jewish organizations to combat antisemitism with prosemitism.

Larry and Esta sit down for a conversation with IDF Reservist and Israel Advocate Adi Karni. In this far-ranging conversation, they talk about Adi's service in Gaza, the fallout of physical and mental injuries, and the importance of his generation in shaping the future of Israel. Adi also talks about his recent efforts to stand up for Israel as a speaker and advocate and the response from college campuses across the US.

Larry and Esta have a few things on the agenda this week, including the upcoming Super Bowl and the definite thoughts about the halftime show. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has a new commercial for the game, highlighting the enormous rise in antisemitism, particularly among young people. We also look at a recent congressional hearing where Missouri Senator Josh Hawley tried repeatedly to get an answer about biology from witness Dr Nisha Verma, and the exchange got heated.

Larry and Esta sit down with Dr Alex Sternberg - doctor of public health, published author and karate expert and teacher. In this wide ranging discussion they look at Alex's youth in Hungary, his early efforts to defend himself and others against antisemitism, and his discovery of karate. He soon began to teach self defense to others in his adopted Brooklyn, and developed a reputation as an excellent teacher and a solid defender of the Jewish people. They also talk about his parents experiences in the Holocaust, recipes inspired by his mother's time in the Camps, his work as an author, and his efforts for the Maccabia Games.

Larry and Esta are joined by Israel correspondent Ron Jager, a 25 year IDF veteran and mental health professional to look at the political and social situation in Israel. Ron explains the current attitudes of Israelis and their mental health in the wake of the 2 year war against Hamas in Gaza, the outlook of the region's delicate balance, and the potential for regime change in Iran.

5TJT Publisher Larry Gordon shares his impressions of an event held in Palm Beach, Florida last night with Eli Sharabi, held in captivity by Hamas for nearly 500 days. Sharabi was at the Palm Beach Synagogue to discuss his book Hostage in which he recounts his ordeal at the hands of the terrorists, and how he's working to rebuild his life.

Larry and Esta introduce a new name for the podcast, and look at the impact of the return of the remains of Ran Gvili, the last hostage returned from Gaza

Larry and Esta look at a few of the stories set to come out in this week's edition of the 5 Towns Jewish Times. Big news out of Brooklyn as Maimonides Hospital appears set to join the NYC Health & Hospitals group as a way to deal with a poor financial outlook. We look at the implications for Brooklyn, the state of care at Maimonides and the future as they join the NYC systemThe second story looks at a recent article by Rachel Tuchman on how husbands and wives communicate, particularly for newly married couples and the advice they're often given

Larry and Esta look at a few of the stories set to come out in this week's edition of the 5 Towns Jewish Times. First up is a look at Baila Sebrow's Dating Forum column and the behavior reported on a date. There are some big questions to be answered about Leftovers Etiquette. The second story looks at the protest business and how many of the attendees at both anti-Israel and the recent Venezuala protests are actually being paid to appear and fill out the numbers.

Larry and Yochanan sit down this week with Alan Goldman, a lifelong 5 towns resident to discuss his search for meaning and ideas. Alan's story is typical in some ways and unique in many others, and the conversation covers a lot of ground.

In this week's episode 5TJT Publisher Larry Gordon sat down with J. Philip Rosen, Chairman of the World Jewish Congress - American Section. In this wide-ranging conversation, Phil talks about his dedicated work on behalf of Jews, his conversations with heads of state throughout Europe and the Middle East, and his work as a liaison on Jewish affairs with the US Government.

Editor Larry Gordon is joined by his daughter, 5TJT columnist Malkie Gordon Hirsch Magence, and her neighbor and close friend Julie Holzer for a wide-ranging, and engaging conversation.Together, they touch on everything from politics and current events to food, schools, parenting, and thoughtful reflections on everyday life.

Larry spoke with Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, President of Shurat HaDin Law Center, an Israel-based organization defending against lawfare suits, fighting academic and economic boycotts, and challenging those who seek to delegitimize the Jewish State. Nitsana talks through efforts to bring terrorists, the states that support and finance them and organizations and states that enable them to justice. They have won judgments of hundreds of millions against Iran and the Palestinian Authority, and defend and protect members of the IDF against legal cases. We also talk through today's horrific terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia and the implications of it.

Larry talks to Avrohom Schwartz, Founder and Director of Jerusalem-based Yizkor. The organization is dedicated to providing mentors for boys who have lost their fathers to death or divorce. Yizkor's trained staff come in to help with Torah study, schooling and to provide a male role model in their lives. Avrohom talks through the beginnings of the idea and the efforts to provide assistance to young men in difficult circumstances, and his plans for the future of the organization.

In this episode Larry sits down with filmmaker, author and human rights activist Rabbi Raphael Shore. Born in Ontario, Canada Rabbi Shore has lived in Israel for many years and dedicated his life to telling the stories that matter to the Jewish People. His latest film, Tragic Awakening looks deeply into antisemitism, particularly in the wake of October 7th, and explores how Jews can turn this challenge into a powerful force for good.

Larry sat down to speak with Jamie Geller, Chief Communications Officer and Global Spokesperson for Aish about her recent opinion piece in the Jerusalem Post. Her piece looked at the impact of October 7th on spirituality and religion within Israel, and she talks with Larry about the challenges and opportunities for Jews around the world.

In this week's episode Larry spoke with Rabbi Marc Schneier, rabbi of The Hamptons Synagogue and founder of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding. They look in depth at the challenges facing the New York Jewish community in the wake of Zoran Mamdani's election as mayor. In particular Rabbi Schneier notes the mayor-elect's lack of understanding of not only the Jewish community, but the Muslim world's view of the future of Muslim-Jewish relations. Join us for this fascinating look at the impact of the recent mayoral election.

As Chabad's annual Kinus Hashluchim gets underway, Larry spoke with Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director at Merkos 302. Their wide-ranging conversations covers the Kinus, the importance of Chabad presence around the world, and a host of other topics on the role of shluchim.

As Chabad's annual Kinus Hashluchim gets underway, Larry spoke with longtime shliach to South Africa (and his first cousin) Rabbi Yossy Goldman. They talk about the importance of shlichus, Rabbi Goldman's placement in South Africa, the state of the Jewish community there, and the Kinus.

5TJT Publisher Larry Gordon introduces the 5TJT Podcast, a look at society, culture, politics and ideas. Larry sits down with Associate Editor Yochanan Gordon to talk about the writing process, communicating ideas effectively and how to get started when you have no ideas.They also cover the purpose and meaning behind Rosh Hashana and its prayers, and Larry remembers life growing up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

5TJT steps into a new era as we begin our podcast series with a sensational guest, Gavriel Sanders. A renowned speaker and advocate for the Jewish people, Gavriel's personal history gives him unique insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the Jewish people. In this wide ranging interview we look at Israel and its fight for survival, demographic changes in the American Jewish community, the impact of Christian attitudes towards Israel and a host of other vital topics affecting the world.